Sanchez has been targeted for some rough challenges against Yeovil and Huddersfield.

"You can see the way Alexis has been “welcomed" by the opponent! He is a tough boy, a pure guy who can cope with that," said Mourinho.

"He has received some bad tackles. I don't like the word 'protect' because it looks like referees have to protect only the top players, but they have to protect everybody on the pitch equally.

"They know the rules and if the card has to come then I am sure the refs will be in control of it.

"What do you want defenders to do? Do you want defenders let top players play with freedom. It is the nature of the game, the more you fear the more you target. You fear the most talented players so it is natural.

"For the referees every player must be treated the same and according to the rules. So if the referee sees red card, then the red card comes, if they see a yellow, then the yellow comes and the second.

"We don't need managers speaking about this. When they see an obvious thing the referee must take care of it which I think they try to do."

Manchester City are reportedly seeking a meeting with referee chiefs after a series of bad tackles against their players.

On the treatment of Sanchez, Mourinho quipped: "Maybe his manager needs to cry a little bit more."